Landmark Commission

The Landmark Commission is a seven-member board established in 1975. Its role is to preserve, protect, and perpetuate buildings, structures, sites, works of art, and other objects having special historical, community or aesthetic interest or value. As such, exterior changes to local landmark properties require review by the Landmark Commission. The Commission and the City are committed to the preservation of the distinctive features for which Shaker architecture is known.

Supplemental Information

Landmark Districts and Properties

Seventy five percent of the City is located within the Shaker Village Historic District (PDF) that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Shaker Heights is also home to the Winslow Road Historic District (designated as a local historic district in 2007), a local historic district that surrounds Shaker Square, and 46 individually designated local landmarks.

Review Procedures

The Landmark Commission must review all exterior changes proposed for individual landmarks and properties located in the Winslow Road and Shaker Square local landmark districts. This includes building changes and environmental/landscape changes. More information.

Preservation Month Photo Contest

For the past six years, the Shaker Heights Landmark Commission invited photographers to enter the Shaker Heights Preservation Month Photo Contest. The contest was created in honor of National Preservation Month, which is celebrated each May by preservation organizations across the country.

Individuals are now invited to hashtag photos on Instagram for the 2019 Photo Contest, which officially kicks off in the spring. Submit your photo at #PreserveSH19. Please retain a high resolution version of the photo in case you are a winner!

Preservation Awards

In addition to reviewing and approving alterations and additions to local landmark properties, the Commission sponsors a biennial Preservation Awards program (held in even years). The Shaker Heights Landmark Commission established its Preservation Awards program in 1998 to recognize and highlight efforts by property owners who have preserved and improved their properties. This awards program is mirrored after the program established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1971.

Homeowner Resources

The Landmark Commission also serves as an information source for residents. It maintains lists of contractors who specialize in historic roofing materials (slate, wood and tile), wood windows and stucco and masonry repair. Learn more about your home using the Historic Building Cards database.